People seeking jobs in the oil and gas industry can attend a job fair in Terrebonne Parish today from 9am to 1pm. Don Molino has more…

CUT 1 (26) “I’m Don Molino”

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A special graduation ceremony will be held June 17^th for Andrew Jones, the valedictorian at Amite High School who was not allowed to participate in the ceremony because of his facial hair. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Today former-governor Bobby Jindal turns 45, and UL-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross looks at what could be next for Jindal. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A job fair is taking place in Terrebonne Parish today that aims to help those in the oil and gas industry find jobs, as unemployment in that sector continues to rise. The fair will be held at Fletcher Community College in Schriever from 9am to 1pm. President and CEO of the South Louisiana Economic Council, Vic LaFonte, says although the bayou region is seeing job losses, there are employment opportunities in other parts of the state.

cut 4  (11)  “Lake Charles area”

More than 30 companies will be present at the job fair, and over 900 people are expected to attend. LaFonte says they want to find jobs for laid off oil workers, so they don’t have to move to neighboring states. He says if they have to relocate, they can relocate within the state.

Cut 5  (08)  “the state”

LaFonte says people can register for the fair at BayouOpportunity.com, and walk-ins are also welcome. He says they’ll be doing whatever they can to find new jobs for people at this event.

Cut 6 (12) “your resume”

More information about the job fair is available at BayouOpportunity.com.

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A graduation ceremony will be held for the valedictorian who was not allowed to participate in his graduation at Amite High School because of his facial hair. Pastor Roosevelt Wright is one of the coordinators for this event. He says Andrew Jones, a 4.0 student, overcame many challenges and earned the right to lead his class that day.

CUT 7 (11)  “a baby” 

He says the facial hair policy in place in the school had never been enforced prior to graduation day, and he says they have plenty of pictures to prove it. School officials say they repeatedly asked him to shave prior to the ceremony, but he refused. Wright says the accomplishments that Jones made should be more important than his beard.

Cut 8  (10)  “looks like” 

The ceremony will be held June 17 at the African-American Heritage Museum in Hammond, and recent graduates from around the state are expected to attend. Wright says any grads who want to attend wearing their gown are welcome to turn their tassels one more time with Jones. Wright says Jones has also gotten the attention of several universities and state legislators, who will also be in attendance.

Cut 9 (09)  “as well”

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Former-governor Bobby Jindal turns 45 today. The former-presidential candidate has kept a low profile since he left the Governor’s Office in January. But UL Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says Jindal’s political career is probably far from over.

Cut 10 (09) “his options”

At one-time the former governor was considered a rising star in the Republican Party. He finished his second-term as the state’s highest elected official with low approval numbers. Cross says it’s unlikely Jindal run for office again in this state.

cut 11 (07) “step down”

Cross says the former-governor and Congressman has already accomplished so much at a young age that it’s hard to say what exactly he will do next. He says Jindal will probably seek a high-ranking post in the federal government.

cut 12 (08) “some capacity”

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Lake Charles Police announced in a press conference that they have arrested a 16-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of 79-year-old Robert Colston. Police Chief Don Dixon says on Sunday they responded to a vehicle that hit a tree and officers discovered Colston behind the wheel suffering from a gunshot wound.

Cut 13 (11)  “absolutely senseless”

Colston was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Dixon says they’ve charged a teenager with second-degree murder, and the Calcasieu Parish DA’s office will seek to prosecute him as an adult. The victim’s son, Robert Colston Jr, says he’s distraught over his father’s senseless killing.

cut 14 (12)  “no heart”

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A 15-year-old from Tangipahoa parish is facing two murder charges for his participation in the double homicide in Natalbany last week. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Dawn Panepinto says the juvenile has been charged with two counts of first degree murder for the shooting deaths of 31-year-olds Randy Bickham and Charleston Mitchell. She says this case may also be related to the death of 18-year-old Marquise Lightfoot, whose body was discovered a day after the double homicide.

Cut 15 (07) “together”

Panepinto says they believe drugs may have been a factor in the case. She says it was likely a robbery gone wrong.

Cut 16  (07)  “their interaction”

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Coastal Carolina has arrived in Baton Rouge for its Super Regional Series against LSU, which begins tomorrow night in Alex Box Stadium. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri says the Chanticleers are second in the nation in home runs with 91 and they also have some good pitchers…

Cut 17 (16)  “really good”

Coastal Carolina is 47-16 on the year, while LSU is 45-and-19 and they’ve made a habit of coming from behind late in games this year. Tigers first baseman Greg Deichmann on why this team always believes it has a chance to win…

Cut 18 (15) “their best”

LSU shortstop Kramer Robertson says the players know that Coastal Carolina is a good team and more than capable of winning this series…

Cut 19 (17) “pretty phenomenal”

Florida Governor Rick Scott says he’s coming to Louisiana to encourage businesses here to move to the Sunshine State. He says Governor Edwards is trying to raise taxes on employers, and Florida has a better business climate. Governor Edwards spokesman Richard Carbo says this is a political stunt by Scott and Louisianians shouldn’t pay too much attention…:
cut 12 (08) “are over now”

At the State Capitol today, the Louisiana House approved a package of tax bills that would increase state revenues by 220-million dollars for next fiscal year’s budget. But Governor John Bel Edwards has said the legislature needs to raise 600-million dollars to avoid major cuts to education and health care. Several other tax bills are having a difficult time getting out of the House Ways and Means Committee. The special session must wrap up its business two weeks from today.

Louisiana State Police has confirmed that St. Joseph Mayor Ed Brown is at the center of a criminal investigation. Trooper Michael Reichardt says he can’t say much about the case yet, as the investigation is ongoing…
cut 15 (07) “…takes us”
The legislative aduitor accused Mayor Brown of mismanaging the Tensas Parish town’s finances. The city’s financial books are so bad the courts had to appoint a fiscal manager.

Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal is facing a new criminal charge. Ackal has been indicted on an allegation that he planned to have another man arrested and beaten, because he assaulted one of the sheriff’s relatives. Back in March, Ackal was initially indicted on charges he directed officers to beat five inmates at the parish jail’s chapel, where no surveillance cameras could catch it.

The Baton Rouge Coroner’s office has ruled the death of an eight-month-old who was left in a hot car for two hours as an accident.

The Louisiana House has approved 220-million dollars in tax increases after approving numerous bills that are part of the governor’s package. But Governor John Bel Edwards says 600-million dollars is needed to avoid large cuts to health care, education and other areas of state government. The biggest revenue generating bill to pass is a measure that raises taxes on H-M-Os.

Florida Governor Rick Scott says he’s coming to Louisiana to encourage businesses here to move to the Sunshine State. In a statement, Scott said Governor John Bel Edwards called the special session for the sole purpose of raising taxes which will burden the job climate here. Edwards’ spokesman Richard Carbo…:
CUT 10 (06) “your own business”
Carbo says they welcome Governor Scott to Louisiana and hope he spends a lot of money while he’s here.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law a measure that will prevent adult entertainment estbalishments from hiring strippers that are under the age of 21. Jim Kelly with the Covenant House in New Orleans supports the legislation, because if a girl has to be 21 to drink at a strip club, then she should have to be 21 to take her clothes off in that establishment…
cut 7 (07) “….strip club”
Supporters of the new law also say it will keep young girls from becoming victims of human trafficking. But Robert Waters who owns Ric’s Cabaret in New Orleans went to the State Capitol to testify against the legislation. Waters says many of the dancers in his club do so for good reasons…
cut 8 (10) “…higher education”
The new law goes into effect August 1st.

Night clubs in Louisiana will soon be prohibited from hiring strippers who are under the age of 21 because of a bill signed into law. Halen Doughty has more…
voicer 1 (28) “…I’m Halen Doughty”

Tangipahoa Parish deputies arrest a 15-year-old in connection with the double homicide that occurred last week in Natalbany. The teenage boy has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Authorities say the shooting was drug related and connected to another fatal shooting that took place the next day.

Florida Governor Rick Scott is coming to Louisiana next week and the reason for his trip is to talk with businesses here about re-locating to the sunshine state. Scott says Florida is a more business friendly state, especially since Governor John Bel Edwards has called a special session that’s looking to raise taxes. Edwards communications director, Richard Carbo calls Governor Scott’s trip purely political…
cut 11 (08) “…we stick together”

State Police have confirmed St. Joseph Mayor Ed Prown is the subject of a criminal invesitgation. A legislative audit has accused Brown of mishandling the Tensas Parish town’s finances. Trooper Michael Reichardt says this could be a lengthy investigation…
cut 14 (06) “….attorney’s office”
A judge appointed a fiscal manager for the town earlier this week and St. Joe’s financial problems have kept them from receiving state funds to improve their drinking water, which has been a murky brown color.

Governor John Bel Edwards responds to the planned visit by Florida Governor Rick Scott to Louisiana in job recruitment efforts. Michelle Southern reports…:
voicer 2 (29) “….I’m Michelle Southern”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced they’ve charged a 15-year-old with two counts of first-degree murder for participating in a double homicide in Natalabany last week. And Lake Charles police have arrested a 16-year-old in the shooting death of a 79-year-old man on Sunday.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law a bill that says nightclubs are prohibited from hiring strippers under the age of 21. Supporters say it will help young women from becoming victims of human trafficking, but Robert Waters, who owns Rick’s Cabaret in New Orleans, says there are 21-years olds who work as strippers to support themselves financially….
cut 9 (10) “…this business”
The new law goes into effect August 1st.

US Senator David Vitter is pushing legislation that attempts to block the Obama Administration’s overtime rule that would require salary employees not making at least $47,476 a year to receive overtime pay. Supporters say this will put more money in the pockets of low to middle-income earners, but Vitter says this overtime rule is actually a bad thing…
cut 5 (07) “…move up”

Florida Governor Rick Scott says he’s coming to Louisiana to encourage businesses here to move to the Sunshine State. He says Governor Edwards is trying to raise taxes on employers, and Florida has a better business climate. Governor Edwards spokesman Richard Carbo says this is a political maneuver by Scott and Louisianians won’t pay too much attention…:
cut 12 (08) “are over now”

US Senator David Vitter has joined 44 other Senators in an attempt to block implementation of the Obama Administration’s overtime rule, which doubles the salary threshold under which employees qualify for overtime pay. He says that’s far too drastic for businesses, particularly in Louisiana…:
CUT 4 (09) “administratively”
Supporters say this would mean more money into the pockets of low and middle-income workers, but Vitter says that’s not the case.

A Sabine Parish inmate who is 6 months pregnant was located by cops after being missing almost 14 hours. Cops say 33-year-old Olive Somersall of Many, who is 6 months pregnant, was booked with simple escape.

Beginning August 1, establishments in Louisiana can no longer hire strippers that are under the age of 21, under a law signed by Governor Edwards. Robert Waters who owns Rick’s Cabaret in New Orleans opposes. He says not everyone who works in the adult entertainment industry is a victim as supporters are claiming…:
CUT 8 (10) “higher education”
But others in opposition say if a girl has to be 21 in order to drink at an establishment, she should have to be 21 to take her clothes off.

Florida Governor Rick Scott says he’s coming to Louisiana to encourage businesses here to move to the Sunshine State. In a statement, Scott said Governor John Bel Edwards called the special session for the sole purpose of raising taxes which will burden the job climate here. Edwards’ spokesman Richard Carbo…:
CUT 10 (06) “your own business”
Carbo says they welcome Governor Scott to Louisiana and hope he spends a lot of money while he’s here.

The mayor of St. Joseph is at the center of a criminal investigation by Louisiana State Police. Earlier this year a legislative auditor accused Mayor Ed Brown of mismanaging St. Joe’s finances, and the auditor outlined several possible crimes he may have committed. But Trooper Michael Reichardt says Brown has not been arrested yet…:
Cut 13 (06) “very preliminary”
St. JOe has been dealing with brown water for years but haven’t been able to access the funds available to fix it because the town can’t pass an audit.

Louisiana strippers will soon have to be at least 21-years-old because of a bill that’s been signed into law. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (28) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The East Baton Rouge Parish man who is accused of leaving his baby in a hot car for over two hours causing her death, has been released from jail on $10,000 bond, according to officials. 31-year-old Marvin Mercer, who is also a high school baseball coach, was charged with negligent homicide in the death of 8-month-old Raylee Mercer. He said he forgot to take her to daycare on his way to work.

Beginning August 1, strippers in Louisiana will have to be at least 21 years of age because of a new law. Senior Vice President for Gulf Coast Bank and foster parent, Kim Carver says girls who age out of the foster program are at risk of becoming victims of sex trafficking, especially if they go to work in strip clubs. He says the legislature needs to do something to protect these kids….:
CUT 6 (07) “young adults”
But those who oppose say many women strip to support their families or put themselves to school. Despite opposition, Governor John Bel Edwards signed the bill into law.

The Lake Charles Police Department said they will be holding a news conference this afternoon regarding the case of a man who was located in a vehicle he crashed and cops later learned he had been shot. They say Bob Colston Sr. then died at a local hospital on June 5th and his death is being treated as a homicide. Additional information on the case will be released at 2pm.

A majority of high school principals in the state have decided to keep the private-public playoff championship format in place. Jeff Palermo reports on what it means for the future of the LHSAA…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

State officials want to let the public know some important information when it comes to traveling around with your kids in this hot weather. A Zachary man was arrested in Baton Rouge yesterday after his baby girl died when he left her in the locked car for over two by mistake. DCFS Secretary Marketa Walters says unfortunately this happens far too often…:
CUT 15 (08) “of age”
She suggests putting something like your phone or your purse in the backseat with the child so there will be something there you wouldn’t leave without.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law a measure that prohibits someone from working as a stripper until they’re 21. The rule goes into effect in August.

And effective immediately is a law that allows drivers to be put on a payment plan to repay the state outstanding fines for letting their car insurance lapse. The plans apply to those who owe more than $250.

US Senator David Vitter has joined 44 other Senators in an attempt to block implementation of the Obama Administration’s overtime rule, which doubles the salary threshold under which employees qualify for overtime pay. Vitter says this will drastically impact small businesses, particularly in Louisiana, as well as employees…:
CUT 3 (10) “the workplace”
The proposed rule increases the salary threshold to $47,476.

As a result of legislation approved state lawmakers and signed by the governor, patients have direct access to physical therapists without having to see a doctor first, but the Louisiana Orthopedic Association says this new law could be costly for patients. LOA spokesperson Barbara Carey says people have pain for many reasons…:
CUT 9 (03) “treatment”
But others say this is perfectly safe for patients.

The East Baton Rouge Parish man who is charged with negligent homicide after he allegedly accidentally left his eight month old daughter in a hot car for two hours has been released from jail after posting a 10-thousand dollar bond. 31-year-old Marvin Mercer told police he found his child in his car during his lunch break and drove her to a hospital, but doctors were not able to save her. Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Secretary, Marketa Walters, says in the past 10 years, the state has seen 24 heat-related deaths like this one…
cut 17 (07) “…back seat”

Authorities are looking for a pregnant inmate who escaped from the Sabine Parish Women’s Facility in Many. Officials say 33-year-old Olive Ashtine Somersall gained access to an elevator while an on-duty deputy was distracted with other inamates. Somersall is six months pregnant.

Louisiana ranks second in the country for the percentage of people who drink soda on a daily basis. State department of health and hospitals dietician Rebecca Guidroz says this is part of the reason why Louisiana is considered an unhealthy state as one 12 ounce can of soda has 39 grams of sugar…
cut 13 (08) “…a day”
Guidroz recommends drinking fruit infused water as an alternative.

The LHSAA vote to keep the expanded public-private school championship split means there will be 12 title games each for the sports of basketball, baseball and softball. LHSAA Director Eddie Bonine says this causes problems for the sites that host these championship events and they may have to eliminate semifinal games from taking place at these locations…
cut 5 (07) “…one night”